Sadly, earlier this week South Australian Landsailor Pat Finch passed away.
Pat reached the fine age of 86 years which probably matched the amazing array of unusual and bizarre machines he designed and built over the years. If you have ever bounced on a trampoline as a child you can thank Pat for designing the machine that wove the trampoline mat.

I was fortunate to chat with Pat last week and he was still sharp and thinking about his next idea.

After moving to Perth from his home town of Wiluna, Western Australia Pat was involved in building and flying guiders in the 1950's in Caversham.

In the 1970's Pat again became intrigued with hang gliders and human powered aircraft and entered a succession of birdman rally's. Although he never quite made the distance, the further he flew the harder they made the rules. However Pat's ideas, techniques and assistance helped others to eventually fly the distance.

Pat's landyachts would always have that little different idea to intrique other builders. Here he is with his 1993 efforts for the Pacrim.
A landyacht with a fixed solid wing that steered with all 3 wheels based on the english "crabber" design. It actually worked


This is Pat's entry in the Perth Zoo Bamboo Challenge, also in 1993. "PIGSTY"

Seeing these photos has reminder me that I never once saw Pat in anything except overalls, ever


Pat will be very much missed by all his landsailing friends. Condolences to the family.

Paul